The Honeywood Files by H.B. Creswell Page B

although I cannot approve of or consent to the spring being made use of.
    Yours faithfully,
     
    Spinlove is taking a great deal too much upon himself here. He is, as accredited agent to Brash, engaging him in words which, to say the least, are ambiguous. Supposing that in some way Grigblay’s interference with the spring violates a covenant of the conveyance and involves Brash in some penalty or forfeiture, is it to be imagined that Spinlove’s letter will fix liability on Grigblay? This is not likely. It is difficult to know what Spinlove’s letter stands for if it is not a formal consent to Grigblay’s proposal by the owner’s accredited agent. It appears, too, that Grigblay never acknowledged that letter so that he would be entitled to say, “Yes, the architect said he would hold me responsible, but I never agreed to accept responsibility for more than having to dismantle the arrangements.“
    It would have been better for Spinlove to have written to Grigblay saying he had no power to authorize him to interfere with the spring and leave him to interpret that letter by such a hint as is sometimes conveyed by a wink.
    SPINLOVE TO GRIGBLAY
    Dear Sir,22.10.24.
    I confirm authority for you to get on with concreting of cellar. You will note that the cellar damp course is to be carried up outside walls to the level of the normal damp course; this cellar damp course will come below the bottom of the concrete floor and above the bottom of the hard core.
    I was glad to see such good progress had been made and to note that the concrete seems quite satisfactory. I have, however, to take exception to the facing-bricks, one load of which has been delivered. In ordering these from the makers I expressly excluded the bright red bricks, which are soft and probably under-burnt. I yesterday selected and marked three samples covering the whole range of variations in colour, etc., which your foreman has set aside in his office. The soft bright red bricks must be thrown out and no more must be delivered.
    Will you please let me know in good time what detailed drawings you want?
    Yours faithfully,
    BRASH TO SPINLOVE
    Dear Mr. Spinlove,21.10.24.
    I am in receipt of a strongly-worded communication from Mr. Rallingbourne’s solicitors stating that the pollution of the spring continues and is worse than formerly, and requiring me immediately to have the state of affairs ameliorated and even hinting at proceedings. The occupier of the farm asseverates he cannot water his livestock and has to draw from a well.
    This is all extremely regrettable and alarming, as I desire to maintain amicable relations with Mr. Rallingbourne, who will be my adjoining neighbour and is a most influential gentleman. It is now eight days since I desired you to give attention to this subject and yet nothing has eventuated.
    Yours faithfully,
    SPINLOVE TO BRASH
    Dear Sir Leslie Brash,22.10.24.
    The matter of the spring has been attended to and there will be no pollution in future. The necessary work, unfortunately, involved muddying the water for a few hours.
    Yours faithfully,
     
     

TROUBLE WITH BRICKS
    GRIGBLAY TO SPINLOVE
    Dear Sir,23.10.24.
    We note your instructions re facing-bricks. We may say we ordered bricks as selected by you according to your instructions, but have now taken up the matter with the brickyard.
    Yours faithfully,
     
    Spinlove, it will be remembered, dealt directly with the brick manufacturer in selecting bricks and merely told Grigblay to order bricks as selected, without defining, with samples or otherwise, what bricks exactly he was to receive. Grigblay accordingly did not know what bricks to expect and was not in a position to approve or disapprove of what was sent. Spinlove ought to have carried out his negotiations with the brickmaker through Grigblay and made Grigblay responsible for the bricks being up to sample.
    GRIGBLAY TO SPINLOVE
    Dear Sir,25.10.24.
    With regard to the common bricks specified and seen and approved by you, Bloggs